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Coffee talk

Does this beloved brew fuel your life? You might want to know its perks — and pitfalls

At a Glance: This common daily staple can enhance memory but may lower your quality of sleep.Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute, 22 seconds

Whether you drink it black, decaf, pressed or iced, chances are pretty good that you are drinking coffee. It’s one of the most popular beverages in the country, with 54 percent of American adults enjoying it every day — and spending $40 billion on it every year. Here’s a quick look at the good and the bad side of your daily java habit.

The Perks

Better odds of living longer: There is a 15 percent lower risk of premature mortality found in people who drink three to five cups of coffee per day than those who don’t drink it at all.

Enhanced memory: Two cups of coffee can enhance certain memories at least up to 24 hours after it’s consumed.

The Pitfalls

Calories up: People who drink a cup of Joe regularly are more likely to consume more calories simply because of what they add to their coffee (hello, cream and sugar!).

Dollars out: We all know that coffee can be an expensive habit, especially if you hit Starbucks everyday. But even if you brew your coffee at home with a Keurig machine, you’re still spending a lot of dough. Here’s how it breaks down annually for an average American who consumers 2.1 cups per day:

Brewing at home with a coffee pot: $190/year

Using K-cups in a Keurig: $800/year

Sleep quality down: 400 milligrams is the maximum amount of caffeine recommended per day. (1 cup has approximately 95 milligrams.) Consume more than that, especially in the afternoon or later, and you’re at risk of developing sleep disturbances.